History Daily The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident Begins
Mar 28, 2025
On March 28, 1979, a partial meltdown at Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island power plant triggered America's worst nuclear disaster. The newly elected governor faced chaotic public panic and misinformation while attempting to manage safety and radiation fears. Residents evacuated their homes as anxiety surged, further complicated by a hidden hydrogen gas bubble at the site. The accident prompted significant enhancements in nuclear safety protocols, reshaping the future of nuclear energy amidst ongoing concerns about trust and transparency.
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Three Mile Island Accident Begins
- At 4 a.m., a plumbing problem at Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station escalated into a major incident.
- A blocked pipe and subsequent turbine trip led to a reactor shutdown and confusion in the control room.
Industry Growth and Understaffing
- The nuclear power industry grew rapidly by the late 1970s, leading to underqualified workers.
- This, combined with equipment failures, contributed to the Three Mile Island partial meltdown.
Thornburg's Crisis Management
- Governor Dick Thornburg was informed of the Three Mile Island accident just 71 days into his term.
- Facing mixed information and public panic, he formed an advisory team to assess the situation.